How You Can Watch the 2021 D.C. Cherry Blossoms Bloom From Home

Spring here in the United States, and in the nation's capitol, that means one thing: cherry blossoms are about to burst. In a typical year, millions of tourists would flock from around the world to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous baby pink flowers in bloom, but this, of course, is anything but a typical year. But don't worry flower fans, the National Cherry Blossom Festival organizers are here to ensure you can still enjoy the flowers no matter where in the world you are.

This year, festival organizers announced plans for a "hybrid" event, including plenty of online activities to keep people entertained at home. That includes its new BloomCam, meditation activities, a virtual run, and even a few celebrity performances hosted by actress Drew Barrymore.

"In keeping with the festival tradition we will unite the city and the region, engaging local businesses and restaurants and we'll be in bloom with pink lighting and blossom decor," Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the festival, shared in a statement.

There will also be plenty of historical talks so everyone can learn more about just how these trees made their way to Washington D.C. too. As Lonely Planet explained, the month-long celebration honors the 3,000 cherry trees gifted to the city by Tokyo's Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. At the time, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two trees. And, in 1965, First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson accepted 3,800 more trees to add to the collection.

On March 1, The National Park Service predicted this year's peak bloom period as April 2 – April 5, 2021. "The peak bloom date for DC's cherry blossoms is defined as the day on which 70% of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open," the festival website explained. Updates will be posted as the trees progress through their stages of bloom.

See the full list of events, bloom predictions, and more, on the National Cherry Blossom Festival website here.